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How do I clear the cache of previous compatibility mode settings?

Anonymous
2022-07-26T13:21:18+00:00

I was trying to fix an issue with a game, and attempted to run it in compatibility mode as one possible solution.

Running it in compatibility mode caused the game to resize Windows display resolution and made the entire desktop (as well as the game) unusable until I hit Alt+F4 to close the game.

So I quit the game and disabled compatibility mode.

Problem is, the game is still having this resolution issue even with compatibility mode off - this issue did not exist prior to trying compatibility mode.

I have cleared the game data, uninstalled, restarted, reinstalled, disabled cloud backup, cleared game data again, uninstalled again, restarted again, reinstalled again, and the game is still causing this resolution change issue.

My best guess is there is some sort of residual config file saved somewhere in Windows that is still using compatibility mode and I want to find that file and delete it so the game can operate as if it was newly installed without having this ongoing issue. Where are these compatibility settings stored?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Display and graphics

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  1. Anonymous
    2022-07-26T23:02:02+00:00

    Tried the "disable fullscreen optimizations" setting and no change - still getting this resolution change

    And you'll notice the game isn't even in fullscreen mode, it's just changing the resolution of the desktop while staying in a window that doesn't display the game.

    I wish I had never toggled the compatibility mode since it made things so much worse & just wish there were a way to make the computer forget compatibility mode had ever been used.

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  2. Rodrigo Queiroz 77,760 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2022-07-26T13:56:00+00:00

    Hi Rinvelo,

    I'm Rodrigo and I will help you.

    Do you have any of these settings enabled? If not enable the "Disable fullscreen optimizations" option.

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  3. Anonymous
    2022-07-28T16:30:44+00:00

    Hello again -

    Is this Tomb Raider 2013. If so you should have mentioned that in your first post as it's a known issue with fixes here:

    https://www.reddit.com/r/TombRaider/comments/r5...

    https://www.reddit.com/r/TombRaider/comments/rt...

    https://www.reddit.com/r/gaming/comments/rzrzly...

    https://www.tombraiderforums.com/showthread.php...

    https://www.gog.com/forum/tomb_raider_series/to...

    https://gaming.stackexchange.com/questions/1079...

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwZltaYjmvE

    Please post back results of all steps provided so I know what to suggest next, if necessary.

    ______________________________________________

    Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

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  4. Anonymous
    2022-07-28T10:42:04+00:00

    Thanks for this information.

    Tomb Raider's registry data was as follows:

    ~ DWM8And16BitMitigation DISABLEDXMAXIMIZEDWINDOWEDMODE

    After I deleted that registry entry, the problem persisted even after Windows restart.

    The game is still changing the desktop resolution & leaving the game in a window (not fullscreen) that was too big for the desktop resolution.

    I'm hopeful one of your other ideas might help resolve the issue & return the game back to its previous state where it would run in windows (which still resized themselves) without affecting desktop resolution.

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  5. Anonymous
    2022-07-27T23:29:30+00:00

    Hi Rinvelo,. I'm Greg, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, here to help you.

    Here's how to clear a Compatibility Mode setting for an App that has become lodged in registry:

    https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/15523-chang...

    https://kb.corel.com/en/125826

    Set a System Restore point first so you can go back if necessary: https://itechhacks.com/system-restore-windows-11/

    Feel free to ask back any questions. Based on the results you post back I may have other suggestions if necessary.

    ______________________________________________

    Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

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